Episode Twelve Part One

Gerbert led an important visitor into his prison lair. His visitor turned to the cell where the hostage, growling, howling, and snarling behind the doors of strong steel, made his eyebrows frown. "Tell me again why we keep this animal locked behind that door?"

"That animal is yet to serve its purpose," Gerbert said.

They came to the door where his main prisoner bellowed and moaned. They could feel the heat from behind the doors.

"I wish to be in there alone,"

"As you wish," Gerbert unlocked the door and his guest went inside. He closed it and peered through the bars of the door to see him approach the inmate, chained to the walls, rings of iron around his neck, stomach, legs, and wrists.

His colleague knelt in front of the creature who stared at him with bitter hatred.

"I have a task for you," he breathed out cruelly.

The inmate stared coldly at him. He didn't speak but he wanted to refuse.

"You forget who I am to you. You forget what you were trained for. You forget…I can hurt you with just a simple push," Gerbert's mysterious colleague pulled out a remote and with a push of the red button, the creature yelled out in pain, feeling electricity coursing through his body from inside.

Gerbert smirked wickedly.

Thomas instantly summoned Marcus and Aurora over the next morning. But first, they wanted to have a good talk with him about last night. Marcus was the angriest.

"I'm sorry I didn't call you guys last night. Or texted you. I didn't think Fergus would go so far to try and kidnap you Aurora. And I didn't want to spoil your evening by worrying you two,"

Marcus and Aurora sympathised a little. Thomas knew how much that night meant to them. Aurora reached over to clasp Marcus's hand slightly. He saw her gentle face. They shouldn't be too angry at Thomas.

"Just please promise us the next time you think something might happen, let us know," Marcus implored.

Thomas nodded. "I promise you two, we will get to the bottom of this. We will interrogate Fergus and his family and find out whom they're working for. That's not all. Look what I found last night," he pulled out a tablet and passed it to them.

Aurora gasped.

"Is that…" Marcus breathed.

"It sure is," he smiled. "That's father and Diana. They made it to the past,"

Aurora wiped away her tears. "Thank goodness. Where are they?"

"They're at an auction house in Oxford. And I intend to go there today and buy those miniature portraits before anyone of the Congregation gets their hands on them,"

"Clever brother," Marcus fist bumped him.

"I take it the lovely Phoebe will be there?" Aurora teased, resting her chin on her hand.

"She will," Thomas answered. "And don't you two think about it,"

"What?!" they asked with cheeky grins.

Thomas breathed out slowly through his nostrils.

"Hey guys," Nate greeted coming down with Sophie.

Aurora embraced both of them and they breathed out relievedly.

"We heard about what happened last night. Are you two okay?" Sophie asked.

"We are," her dear friend assured.

"It was mainly Aurora," Marcus said proudly. "She was so incredible with her magic. As a matter of fact, I owe her my life,"

The daemons were astounded and proud. "Whatever power you possess, don't be afraid to use it," Agatha advised. "But don't underestimate its capabilities," Aurora nodded. She had no idea how powerful she was becoming but it was important not to underestimate the aptitude her ice powers could reach.

"I've already called Miriam and she's gonna come over and help Marcus analyse your baby," Thomas said to Sophie. "I'm gonna head off to collect these portraits at the first chance I get," he showed the tablet to them.

"They're beautiful," she said.

"You must get them as soon as possible," Agatha agreed.

"I'll see you all in a few hours," he said, taking his coat.

"Good luck seeing Phoebe again," bid Nate.

"Have fun," Aurora waved.

Thomas left the door and they all shared goofy grins. "He is totally over heels for her," said Marcus ecstatically. "It's been years and I've never seen him so affectionately about someone like that. The moment he gets back, we are going to push him into asking that lovely woman out,"

"It's not as simple as you make it sound Marcus," said Agatha cautiously. "I've seen how he feels whenever he talks about love. Don't expect too much,"

Marcus's excitement dissolved slightly and Aurora held his hand in comfort.

"Are you feeling okay?" Sophie asked.

"Don't worry about me, Soph. And guys, please don't be mad at Tom. He just didn't want to worry you guys and the knights have already taken care of Fergus," Aurora assured.

"I've always known of their animosity towards the de Clairmonts but I never thought they would go so far," Agatha said. "Where are the Knights taking them?"

"They're taking them to a prison fortress not used for centuries," Marcus explained. "They'll be interrogated into revealing why they tried to kidnap Aurora,"

"Why don't we have some tea or wine?" his girlfriend quickly. suggested. "It'll be good for our souls. It's been quite eventful since we arrived here and we should all relax our minds,"

They agreed. The wine was poured. The tea was brewed. And Sophie enjoyed more of her expected cravings in fruit and nuts.

Thomas arrived at the auction house; Air Pods tucked in his ears as rock music played. Through the gates and up the stairs, he saw the lovely Phoebe entering the art building where she worked. He smiled. Entering a grand hallway with a rich red carpet underneath his feet, he looked ahead and saw her talking with a co-worker under an archway. He over them talking about a sudden murder this morning. He became concerned but his heart was more set on buying what he came for. The co-worker on ahead but Phoebe turned around acknowledging his presence.

"Good morning Phoebe," Thomas greeted.

"Good morning," she said. "What brings you here?"

"I'm interested in one of your lots,"

"Well, why don't you follow me to my office?" she offered.

"Why thank you," Thomas gracefully trailed alongside her down the corridor. "Didn't run into any bad guys did you?"

"Not this time," she said. "What you listening to?"

"Just some rock music that me bro showed me. And you?"

"Just New Radio," she answered back. They entered a grand giant room and she sat at her desk and he sat opposite her. "Now tell me what you're interested in?"

"Lot 42,"

She typed on her laptop and she saw what he was interested in. "What would you like to know?"

"I would like to buy it," he announced.

Phoebe was surprised. "I'm afraid our auction items aren't for purchase,"

"Well, it says that the auction estimate is £80,000. Would 200 grand do it?" he offered eagerly.

"That's well in excess,"

"My grandmother is really set on those. The answer to life and death and everything,"

"I'm afraid you will have to bid for it this afternoon," Phoebe said, unfortunately.

Thomas sighed slowly but showed no irritation.

"Look if it was up to me, I'd let you take it," she said trying to quell his displeasure.

"Well, why aren't you in charge here? You should definitely be in charge,"

"Well, I'm working on it. How about I show you?"

Thomas blinked. "That would be wonderful Phoebe thanks,"

Phoebe called for the box to be called. She pulled on some special white gloves and opened the leather box very slowly. The artwork inside made Thomas's heart life. "Lot 42,"

"That's the one," he said happily. In those portraits, he saw his beloved father and stepmother in Elizabethan clothing. How he missed them dearly.

"Now, why don't I escort you to the auction room?" she offered.

"That would be nice,"

Thomas watched as Phoebe closed the box and she gave it back to the guard who took it back to the vault. He followed her to a giant sitting room with over twenty other visitors. She led him over to some seats and then joined her colleagues near the stage. They held eye contact for a while until the auctioneer appeared on the stage.

For the next two hours, she offered up valuable pieces of artwork. Though tempted he was by the portraits and sculptors, Thomas had only his eyes set on what he came for. He couldn't afford to waste any money. Finally, the call-out for the two mini portraits came.

"Okay!" the woman on the stage announced. "Estimate for this pair of Elizabethan portraits is £80,000,"

Two hands were raised. Thomas and a man named Adam Sturge.

"Do I hear £90,000?1!"

The two pairs of hands came again.

"Do I hear £100,000?!"

Thomas's hand was raised alone.

"Last call!" no hand came up. She banged her hammer on the gravel. "Sold!"

Thomas shared eye contact with Phoebe and she awkwardly turned away with a smile.

The auction ended and he came to her desk to sign the paperwork. "You just saved your grandmother a fortune. Hope she appreciates it," she said.

"So, when can I collect them?"

"It will have for tomorrow until your fines are paid for it,"

"Couldn't pull a few strings do you?" he requested. "I could pay cash,"

I'm sorry. We don't take cash,"

"Oh well. I was gonna head to France but I suppose I'll have to delay. What should I do with my evening?" Thomas handed the papers to Phoebe.

"Why don't you stream some old dance music?" she offered.

"Sounds like a plan. Whilst I do more of my biology articles. What are you doing with your evening?"

"Just looking at artwork and reading,"

"Is there anything else you like doing? Any other interests?"

"I did once like doing my own artwork. But I got more into doing auction work and analysing arts instead. I love to buy artwork too. Especially by Aurora Bishop, my favourite artist," by the way she spoke, Phoebe Taylor was ecstatic about her artwork and was highly fascinated by her books about art and representations. "I've collected all her books but it's always been my dream to actually meet her,"

"I've met her before," Thomas wanted to at least speak half the truth. He wanted to introduce Phoebe to Aurora but with the threats from his in-laws and the Congregation on the rise, he couldn't afford to put Phoebe in danger.

Phoebe was quite surprised. "You're lucky. What's she like?"

"Oh, kind, compassionate, brave…my brother's so attracted to her,"

"Sounds like your brother is a lover of women,"

"He sure is,"

"I'm so looking forward to her next book. What about you?"

"I've never been into art but I was once an author. When my partner died, so did my creativity," he lamented.

"I'm sorry about that. At least it was worth having love in your life. Most of my relationships end pretty quickly because I don't turn out to be what my exes expected,"

"You just be you, Phoebe. You know my father once said, sometimes the thing you're looking for, turns out to be by your side all the time," Thomas's wise words seemed to redden her cheeks.

"Your father sounds like a very wise man. I'm really glad that you and your family made amends,"

Thomas smiled.

"Well, it was nice doing business with you," she stood up and they shook hands. She walked off with Thomas gazing affectionately out to her. He didn't know why he was feeling this way every time he was in her presence but it was something he hadn't felt in so long. And there was just no stopping it.

Agatha was cooking some food whilst Nate and Marcus were downstairs having wine. Miriam was analysing Sophie whilst Aurora stayed by her side, giving her support and comfort.

"Your brother's been a brilliant host," Nate said. "I just hope we're not causing him any trouble by staying here,"

"It's perfect for him to have visitors staying here. And besides, he's always open to any friend of ours who needs help," Marcus admired Thomas's selfless side.

"I'm worried that our whereabouts will become known. I mean if Fergus and his family were sent by the Congregation, perhaps we're not safe here anymore,"

"Baldwin owes me a debt," his mother spoke up with a hard voice. "I'm the reason he wasn't punished by the Congregation for helping Matthew and Diana. If your whereabouts become known he'll let us know,"

"Once the baby's born, we'll leave Oxford as soon as possible," Nate decided.

"If the baby turns out to be a witch, you're gonna need protection from the Congregation," said Marcus gravely. "You're much safer here than back at your home,"

"But aren't we breaking the Covenant already by living with a vampire?"

"Daemons giving birth to witches would be unheard of. Sophie giving birth may have gone unnoticed but the granddaughter of a Congregation member will not," Agatha said. "They'll take her from you. Or worse,"

"Marcus!" Miriam's voice called from upstairs.

"Coming!" Marcus rushed up.

In a room upstairs, Sophie had a heart monitor attached to her finger while Aurora sat next to her holding her free hand.

"These monitors should help determine the levels of witch and daemon in your blood. And her DNA could explain why creature genetics are changing," Miriam said to the expectant mother.

"You can have whatever you need," said Sophie.

"You feeling okay?" Aurora asked her.

"I'm okay,"

"Everything will be all right Soph. Marcus and Miriam are the best doctors I've met. They'll know exactly how to deliver your beautiful daughter so that she's healthy and alive,"

Marcus entered the room. Miriam showed him the computer screen. He looked at it.

"Is everything all right?" asked Aurora worriedly.

"It's just a slight drop in the baby's heart rate. It's a temporary thing. It amends pretty quickly," Marcus assured.

"We can't risk a home birth," spoke up Miriam.

"What are you talking about?" Sophie asked becoming scared.

"She's gonna be fine but…you should start thinking about having her in a hospital,"

"But we planned for you to do it, to avoid attention,"

"She needs to be handled somewhere with special care. I'm sorry but the plan needs to change," Marcus apologised sincerely.

"I hear you but the Congregation have spies everywhere," Sophie's anxiety made everyone share worried glances. Aurora clutched her hand protectively and gave her a side hug to console her.

"It's a risk worth taking," she said. "And we'll be in the hospital at all times making sure no one learns anything,"

"I'll have the knight surround the hospital at all times making sure no one strange enters," Marcus said. "It's the best chance we have,"

"Okay," said Sophie. "If it's what's best for her…then it's what must be done. I think I'm gonna go lie down,"

Aurora helped her up and she gently guided her back up to the guest bedroom where she lay down to rest. Her baby bump was quite large and she needed some well-deserved rest with only a few months left until she was born. Once she was made comfortable, Aurora left the room and joined the others downstairs.

Fergus inside the large prison van chained and manacled with Knights keeping him in place in his seat did nothing but frown. His other family members wore the same expression.

On a tall tree towering in the forests of France, a powerful creature with wings perched on a strong branch. In the shadows of the branches, a pair of dark eyes narrowed when it saw the moving vehicle. The target was set on sight.

That's a chapter done. I hope you all are enjoying this. See you all soon.